OPERA America draws on resources and expertise from within and beyond the opera field to advance a mutually beneficial agenda that serves and strengthens the field through programs in the following categories:

Creation: Artistic services that help artists and companies increase the creativity and excellence of opera productions, especially North American works;

Presentation: Opera company services that address the specific needs of staff, trustees and volunteers;

Enjoyment: Education, audience development and community services that increase all forms of opera appreciation.

New York City is home to the nation’s largest concentration of performing and creative artists, professional training institutions and music businesses. A majority of OPERA America’s Professional Company Members hold or attend auditions in New York City annually, and opera leaders from Europe and around the world are regular visitors.

In response to the pressing need for appropriate space in New York by members who suffered from the lack of good audition and work facilities in the city, OPERA America created the National Opera Center. The Opera Center serves many functions that support the artistic and economic vitality of the field by providing its constituents with a range and level of services never before possible.

OPERA America serves the entire opera field through research, publications and services. We work daily to facilitate the creation, performance and enjoyment of opera throughout North America. Much of what we do is made possible through generous contributions from opera lovers like you.

The Widow has spent a year mourning the passing of her husband. Now a neighbor, the Boor, comes to her demanding payment of an old debt left by her departed husband. The Widow refuses to pay the debt and the Boor refuses to leave until she does. Their argument becomes more and more heated until finally the Widow challenges the Boor to a duel, bringing out her late husband's pistols. This show of spirit on the part of the Widow impresses the Boor greatly. He swears his newfound love to the Widow, asking for her hand in marriage. The Widow continues to threaten to shoot the Boor but begins to weaken at his show of devotion, and with one last threat she kisses him.

Character List (Major):

The Widow(s)
The Boor(b-bar)
The Servant(t)

Reviews:

Opera News, William D. West, 12-7-85; The New Yorker, Andrew Porter, 9-2-85; The New York Times, John Rockwell, 8-22-85; The New York Times, Bernard Holland, 11-6-83; Opera News, Mary Ellis Peltz, 11-11-57

To have your company’s photos included in the header rotation, send photos that are at least 1200px wide and 550px tall to Webmaster@operaamerica.org. Please note that submission of photos does not guarantee inclusion.